Plans for England’s largest onshore windfarm are set to advance this week, following the Labour government’s decision to lift a de facto ban imposed by the Conservatives nearly a decade ago.
Cubico Sustainable Investments, an independent renewable energy developer, has submitted proposals to install 21 wind turbines adjacent to an existing wind farm near Greater Manchester. The investment stands at £200 million ($260 million).
While some onshore wind projects in England feature more turbines, those at the proposed Scout Moor site would harness advanced technology, enabling it to generate over 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
This capacity would be sufficient to power 100,000 homes and supply more than 10% of Greater Manchester’s domestic energy needs by the end of this decade.
The move aligns with the government’s ambitious objective to double Britain’s onshore wind capacity by 2030.
This target is part of a broader plan to establish a zero-carbon electricity system, which also includes tripling solar power capacity and quadrupling offshore wind capacity within the same timeframe.
Cubico’s project also proposes a multimillion-pound community wealth fund to benefit local residents.
If approved, the Scout Moor wind farm would rank as the fifth largest onshore wind power facility in the UK, with only Scottish sites exceeding its output.
The Whitelee Windfarm, south of Glasgow, is currently the largest, boasting 539 MW from its 215 turbines.
Previous plans for Scout Moor were shelved a decade ago after public opposition to onshore wind projects led the then-Conservative government to implement restrictive planning regulations effectively halting new developments.
David Swindin, Cubico’s chief executive, revealed that the company had been preparing for this moment for approximately four years, anticipating a policy shift that would pave the way for new onshore wind projects in England.
He stated, “It was clear there would be mounting pressure to amend the regulations, even under the Conservative administration. Given the strong possibility of Labour’s electoral success, we have been waiting for the opportunity to act.”
Cubico, one of the world’s largest privately owned renewable energy developers, is part of a growing cohort eager to spearhead the revival of onshore wind projects in England.
Labour’s rapid repeal of the Conservative restrictions within days of assuming office in July has invigorated the sector.
Swindin added, “We have been keenly awaiting this moment, and now we are ready to move forward with our plans.”
